This is a test of GDPR / Cookie Acceptance [about our cookies]
Really irritating test - cookie expires in 24 hour!
Great Western Coffee Shop
25.7.2025 (Friday) 15:13 - All running AOK
Recent Public Posts - [guest]
Berth Maps - more accurate train movement data with Exeter area demonstration
In "Shorter journeys in Devon - Central, North and South" [363540/30486/24]
Posted by IndustryInsider at 14:07, 25th July 2025
 
Berth Maps is a new system being rolled out to staff pulling together numerous sources into one.

It's not going to be a public release system, but nonetheless the website for it has a live example screen which covers a fairly wide part of the Exeter area from Newton Abbot to Taunton/Chard including the Okehampton/Barnstable and Exmouth branches. 

I don't know if the sample screen rotates every so often, but for those of you who like to watch train movements you get far more detail than on the other mapping services like opentraintimes as it interfaces with GPS as well as signal berths.

So, for example to can watch trains moving along the Barnstable and Okehampton branches from Cowley Bridge Junction where the current systems stop.

You can also see whether a signal is displaying a single or double yellow aspect in areas where that data is available.

https://www.mistral-data.com/product/berth-maps/

Re: Have YOUR kids been on a beach? or to a farm?
In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [363539/14279/31]
Posted by bobm at 12:34, 25th July 2025
 
I was about to say it is amazing how many children see coal for the first time when they go to a heritage railways.   But I then noticed I made the same comment in this thread 11 years ago!

Re: Have YOUR kids been on a beach? or to a farm?
In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [363538/14279/31]
Posted by broadgage at 12:20, 25th July 2025
 
Friends own a dairy farm in north Wales, they regularly host school trips organised by a charity. For children who have never seen a cow or other exotic animal.
One attraction regularly offered is for the kids to dig up potatoes, clean and peel these, and boil them over a fire for lunch.
several kids refused to eat potatoes "that had been in the ground with worms and bugs"
Others expressed surprise that only female cows give milk.
Or that honey is made by bees.

Re: 175s to GWR
In "Across the West" [363537/28982/26]
Posted by John D at 12:14, 25th July 2025
 

There is a contract out to tender for "Laira Depot Enhancements as part of the Class 175 introduction". This is very briefly described as:
Laira Depot Enhancements -

Submissions have closed, and the award date is set as 30th September 2025, so you can't even see the more detailed documents now. How much space there is at Laira before, during, or after this programme I have no idea, but it must make some difference!

(I thought I'd seen this posted already, but can't find it.)

Last time I looked there were 2 very overgrown sidings alongside the line on north side.   There was also a very short depot building suitable for locos and power cars.   This seems to face opposite direction to many of the sidings in the open.    There wasn't really a building suitable for 3car DMUs where bogie or engine swaps and similar maintenance could be done quickly and efficiently.  There is a long building for IETs (which I suspect has no spare capacity for a DMU fleet as it is quite narrow)

Re: Seagulls, particularly in Cornwall - ongoing discussion
In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [363536/29073/31]
Posted by broadgage at 12:02, 25th July 2025
Already liked by Witham Bobby
 
My sympathies are with the man attacking gulls. Despite his actions being almost certainly illegal.

Re: 175s to GWR
In "Across the West" [363535/28982/26]
Posted by stuving at 10:40, 25th July 2025
 

There is a contract out to tender for "Laira Depot Enhancements as part of the Class 175 introduction". This is very briefly described as:
Laira Depot Enhancements -

The purpose of the project is to increase operational capacity by modifying and enhancing existing facilities to support the introduction of Class 175 rolling stock following the withdrawal of the HST fleet.

The successful contractor will be responsible for carrying out the following upgrades at Laira Depot:

• Design and installation of infrastructure enhancements as detailed below.

• Design to be split into two sections Phase 1 (Road 2-4) and Phase 2 (Road 5-6) to reduce design approval delays due to complexity.

• Phase 1 Works to start following Phase 1 design AFC

• Phase 2 Works anticipated to start July 2026.
Total value (estimated)

    £3,000,000 including VAT

Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)

    20 October 2025 to 31 July 2026
    9 months, 12 days

Submissions have closed, and the award date is set as 30th September 2025, so you can't even see the more detailed documents now. How much space there is at Laira before, during, or after this programme I have no idea, but it must make some difference!

(I thought I'd seen this posted already, but can't find it.)

Re: Night Riviera Sleeper train - between Paddington and Penzance
In "London to the West" [363534/489/12]
Posted by Sleepy at 10:20, 25th July 2025
 
Personally, I don't have a spare £199 lying around. 
Perfectly understandable - would imagine 98% of people that plan to use a Friday night Sleeper to Cornwall in August have booked weeks ago at a much lower price. Those very cost conscious have the option of travelling in the seated coaches of course.

Re: 175s to GWR
In "Across the West" [363533/28982/26]
Posted by REVUpminster at 08:30, 25th July 2025
 
175106/112 went yesterday to Wolverton.

175001/003/006/011/107/108 are already there; some since April.

One must be ready for Laira by now unless they are waiting to take 2/3 in one go.

Re: Town's buses get £900k to improve services - Slough, July 2025
In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [363532/30485/51]
Posted by TaplowGreen at 08:23, 25th July 2025
Already liked by Witham Bobby
 
Bit to late improving connectivity to Slough town centre .....................
Slough High Street and Queensmere Observatory shopping centre are dire possibly the worst town centre in the UK, its dire



.........and yet just a few years ago both of those shopping centres were outstanding, along with many other shops, local facilities and a number of decent pubs in the area, almost all now gone.

Hard to understand how such a once thriving High Street in the wealthy Thames Valley has been allowed to become so run down - Slough Borough Council is incompetent, bankrupt and riddled with whiffs of corruption and must take much of the responsibility, although I think much of the High Street is awaiting redevelopment which it desperately needs.

To be fair, many English towns and (particularly) their High Streets have headed the same way.

Re: A trip on GWR's Battery Electric Train - 17/12/2024
In "Thames Valley Branches" [363531/29641/13]
Posted by Electric train at 06:19, 25th July 2025
 
My own battery charger is a 7 kW job. That is a pretty normal option, being able to deliver the charge at household voltage with a 30A current. 14 kW would need a 60A current, doable with a 3-phase supply. I would assume the battery charger would take that. I didn't realise it was only a 14 kW supply, given that high speed DC chargers for cars can run at 150 kW. Given the information in grahame's report of his trip, 14 kW would be enough to keep the West Ealing to Greenford service running, but without capacity for much more. But would much more be needed?

A three-phase charger is typically 22kW, but a typical three-phase supply has 100 Amps on each phase, so if it was totally dedicated to charging it could deliver around 65 kW. In the right location I am sure more current could be provided. 

The DNO connection at West Ealing is 400 Amps 400 Volts 3 phase supply, there are 2 battery units each has a 3 phase sub main rated at 200 Amps

Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2025
In "Across the West" [363530/29650/26]
Posted by Electric train at 06:14, 25th July 2025
 
Consistency being maintained.....

Delays to services between London Paddington and Reading

Following a broken down train at Twyford some lines will be reopened shortly. Disruption is expected until 17:15 22/07.

Train services between London Paddington and Reading may be delayed by up to 15 minutes.

Broken down freight train.


So not an infrastructure problem or failure that caused the disruption

Re: North Cotswold line delays and cancellations - 2025
In "London to the Cotswolds" [363529/29711/14]
Posted by Worcester_Passenger at 06:13, 25th July 2025
 
Friday July 25

05:16 Worcester Shrub Hill to London Paddington due 07:24
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
Will be formed of 5 coaches instead of 9.
Last Updated:25/07/2025 04:46

05:53 London Paddington to Great Malvern due 08:38 will be delayed at Oxford and is expected to be 30 minutes late.
This is due to train crew being delayed.
Last Updated:25/07/2025 04:04
Departed Oxford +18, held Wolvercote (+28), saved 12-minute stand at Evesham, arrived Shrub Hill +15, Foregate St +40 and cancelled thereafter.

08:56 Great Malvern to London Paddington due 11:27 will be started from Worcester Foregate Street.
This is due to train crew being delayed by service disruption.
Last Updated:25/07/2025 07:53

Re: Town's buses get £900k to improve services - Slough, July 2025
In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [363528/30485/51]
Posted by Electric train at 06:12, 25th July 2025
Already liked by Witham Bobby
 
Bit to late improving connectivity to Slough town centre .....................
Slough High Street and Queensmere Observatory shopping centre are dire possibly the worst town centre in the UK, its dire


Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury
In "TransWilts line" [363527/29726/18]
Posted by grahame at 05:09, 25th July 2025
 
05:11 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 08:09

Facilities on the 05:11 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 08:09.
Will be formed of 3 coaches instead of 2.

Further Information

If you arrive at your destination 15 or more minutes late because your GWR train was delayed or cancelled, you can claim Delay Repay compensation. Please keep your ticket and visit GWR.com/DelayRepay

Re: Warning of train disruption on Weymouth line due to staff shortages 27 July 2025
In "Heart of Wessex" [363526/30484/19]
Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 22:13, 24th July 2025
 
Yep.  That's why I posted.   


Re: Warning of train disruption on Weymouth line due to staff shortages 27 July 2025
In "Heart of Wessex" [363525/30484/19]
Posted by Timmer at 22:09, 24th July 2025
 
Oh dear, not again.

Re: The next adventure ... and a comparison between passenger experiences
In "Introductions and chat" [363524/30476/1]
Posted by grahame at 21:25, 24th July 2025
Already liked by Chris from Nailsea, eightonedee, froome, Timmer, PrestburyRoad, Andy E, GBM, Witham Bobby
 
The 13:46 Mora to Ostersund (arrivals 20:10) was a - unique - experience and the only service of the day that's not bustituted at present.    More like a guided tour by rail than a service train, our train manager giving commentary in Swedish and English and the train stopping to take pictures (OK - for the people ON THE TRAIN to take pictures) and also for the people to have an afternoon snack from a trackside pop-up shop at a passing loop, and for an hour at a ski lodge in the middle of a single track section.  Lots of trees. And more trees.  In various states of growth and with reminders that it may look rural but it's also a vast industry. Train manager told us of bear she had seen in the past, and reindeer this very morning, but we saw neither.  We saw lakes and rivers.  And lots more trees.

I think these pictures are in order - selected from the hundreds I took. It was very hot and open-window-aircon was the best on offer, so I've been cooling off with local beer which seems to have had another effect as well as cooling me - so the post may have left ot some vitals line the train seats 60 but only had 39 on today, of whom 24 were in a party from Halmstad doing the rest of their guided tour by coast, with just the one train ride.
























Town's buses get £900k to improve services - Slough, July 2025
In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [363523/30485/51]
Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 21:23, 24th July 2025
 
From the BBC:



More than £900,000 has been approved by a council to improve a town's bus services.

It is part of a £2.2m investment in Slough where the borough council was previously awarded £1.3m by the Department for Transport (DfT).

The authority said the full investment would fund better access to the town centre and a bus interchange service to Wexham Park Hospital and Heathrow Airport.

A report to the council's cabinet recommended councillors approve the capital spending, saying it would lead to "a borough for children and young people to thrive" and "a town where residents can live happier, safer and more independent lives".

The funding would also be used to upgrade traffic signals, improve services at two bus stops where bus arrivals are poor and shorten journey times, the council - which investing a further £63,000 in the scheme - said.

There would also be reduced ticket prices for passengers who take multiple bus services for their journey, with more evening and Sunday services introduced.

Councillor Paul Kelly, cabinet member for highways and transport, told Monday's meeting: "These combined measures represent a forward-thinking and exciting programme of investment and public transport in Slough. Working with our colleagues as well as our vital key stakeholders such as Heathrow Airport, Great Western Railway (GWR) and neighbouring local authorities we hope to make a significant improvement for those who need sustainable transport in our borough."

Zero-emission buses might be purchased using the capital funding, as set out in the report, but the council has not yet committed to the plans.


Re: Warning of train disruption on Weymouth line due to staff shortages 27 July 2025
In "Heart of Wessex" [363522/30484/19]
Posted by grahame at 21:12, 24th July 2025
 
From the Dorset Echo:



Rail travellers are being warned of disruption on Sunday because of crew availability.

Great Western services between Weymouth and Westbury are due to be impacted.

A spokesperson for the company said:"We are likely to have to make changes to published services along the following routes and customers should check their journeys before travelling between:
•    Bristol Temple Meads and Gloucester
•    Bristol Temple Meads and Taunton
•    Westbury and Portsmouth/Weymouth
•    Reading and Gatwick
•    Reading and Basingstoke

"On these routes fewer trains will run, and those that do will be busier. With some service cancellations expected, please allow extra time for your journey. 

"Where possible, limited rail replacement services will operate to support train services running along these routes. We're sorry for the impact this will have on your journey.

"Because of the late-notice changes, and the complexity of updating timetable systems, journey planners will not show changes correctly before Sunday morning.

"If you have already bought tickets and choose not to travel you can claim a full refund at GWR.com/refunds (subject to the terms and conditions of the ticket type)."



Interesting it does not mention Westbury to Swindon. Will that run to the published timetable this weekend?

Warning of train disruption on Weymouth line due to staff shortages 27 July 2025
In "Heart of Wessex" [363521/30484/19]
Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 21:05, 24th July 2025
 
From the Dorset Echo:



Rail travellers are being warned of disruption on Sunday because of crew availability.

Great Western services between Weymouth and Westbury are due to be impacted.

A spokesperson for the company said:"We are likely to have to make changes to published services along the following routes and customers should check their journeys before travelling between:
•    Bristol Temple Meads and Gloucester
•    Bristol Temple Meads and Taunton
•    Westbury and Portsmouth/Weymouth
•    Reading and Gatwick
•    Reading and Basingstoke

"On these routes fewer trains will run, and those that do will be busier. With some service cancellations expected, please allow extra time for your journey. 

"Where possible, limited rail replacement services will operate to support train services running along these routes. We're sorry for the impact this will have on your journey.

"Because of the late-notice changes, and the complexity of updating timetable systems, journey planners will not show changes correctly before Sunday morning.

"If you have already bought tickets and choose not to travel you can claim a full refund at GWR.com/refunds (subject to the terms and conditions of the ticket type)."


Re: New station at North Filton/Brabazon, Bristol
In "Bristol (WECA) Commuters" [363520/24927/21]
Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 16:25, 24th July 2025
 
From the BBC:

Plans to increase capacity of new Bristol Arena



The group behind a massive new music venue planned for Bristol says it is now planning for a maximum capacity of 20,000.

The YTL Arena is being created inside a hangar on the old Filton Airfield, with the latest estimates saying it could open in 2028.

Original plans suggested it would be able to hold 17,000 fans, with that later increased to 19,000.

In a statement YTL Arena Chief Executive Andrew Billingham said increasing the capacity beyond even those numbers is "really important".

Plans for the arena in Filton were first announced in 2018, with it set to be the centre point of the Brabazon development, which will also include 6,500 homes.

The huge scheme has been much delayed, with the developers - Malaysian-owned YTL - initially saying it could be open by 2022. The expected opening has already been pushed back by six years, and the idea to increase capacity will now require new planning permission from South Gloucestershire Council.

Andrew Billingham, Chief Executive of YTL Arena, said: "We want to attract the biggest artists and events to Bristol, so increasing the capacity to 20,000 is really important to us. We'll achieved this by maximising the size of the floor of what will be our standing area, where concertgoers will be stood on the very same concrete where Concorde was built."

The Filton arena was promoted as a more affordable alternative to a previously council-backed scheme next to Bristol Temple Meads railway station. That was first proposed in 2003, but building work never started, and while the plan was resurrected in the 2010s, former city mayor Marvin Rees scrapped the plan.

While construction is yet to begin on the Filton arena, work on a railway station to bring concert-goers to the venue is under way. The brand new station, North Filton, is set open as an unstaffed station in late 2026, though this is set to be enlarged later when the arena nears completion.

Elsewhere, hundreds of people have already bought and moved into new homes as part of the development, and there are plans for schools, student accommodation and sports facilities.


Ferry disruption continues after breakdown at sea - Southampton, 24 July 2025
In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [363519/30483/51]
Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 15:03, 24th July 2025
 
From the BBC:



Ferry passengers are continuing to face disruption as repair work is carried out to a vessel that broke down mid-crossing.

Red Funnel said its Red Eagle vehicle ferry, sailing between between East Cowes and Southampton, suffered a technical issue with its aft main engine on Wednesday afternoon. It broke down on Southampton Water and needed assistance from a tug boat to make it to port in Southampton. Some crossings on Wednesday evening and Thursday were cancelled as a result.

Services were also disrupted in April when the same vessel broke down at sea, having just returned to service.

Following Wednesday's breakdown, Red Funnel's operations director Neil Chapman said: "While everyone on board was safe, we know this caused a longer journey than our passengers expected, and we're truly sorry for that. Our technical teams have been working hard through the night to complete the repairs, and we're doing everything we can to get Red Eagle back into service as soon as possible."

The company's website is showing the cancellation of the 12:30 BST and 15:30 services from East Cowes, as well as the 14:00 and 17:00 sailings from Southampton.

It is the latest in a series of problems to affect Red Eagle, with Red Funnel extending its winter timetable due to its delayed return from its annual refit. It then suffered a "technical issue" at sea on 5 April after it returned to service.


Re: Seagulls, particularly in Cornwall - ongoing discussion
In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [363518/29073/31]
Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 14:44, 24th July 2025
 
From the BBC:

Appeal to identify man after seagull roof attacks



Police have released a CCTV image of a man they want to identify after a series of attacks on seagulls in a city centre.

A man was reported for attacking and killing baby seagulls with an umbrella on the roof of Bath's Corridor shopping centre at around 16:50 BST on 15 July.

Avon and Somerset Police described the man as black, middle aged, of slim build, and wearing a checked shirt and carrying a blue bag at the time of the incident.

Anybody who had any information about the incident, or who might know who this man was, has been asked to contact the force.


Re: Plane crashes at Southend Airport - BBC News 13/07/2025
In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [363517/30450/51]
Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 14:25, 24th July 2025
 
From the BBC:

Four people killed in Southend Airport crash named



Four people killed in a plane crash at London Southend Airport have been named together for the first time.

The medical evacuation aircraft fatally plummeted shortly after takeoff at about 16:00 BST on 13 July.

Capt Danny Franken, 53, first officer Floris Rhee, 24, Dr Mathias Eyl, 46, and Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz, 31, died at the scene, the BBC can now report.

Flight operator Zeusch Aviation said it was "deeply shocked and saddened" by the tragedy.

Witnesses described seeing a "fireball" when the Beech B200 Super King Air crashed in Essex.

The plane was returning to its base at Lelystad Airport in the Netherlands, having transported a patient into the UK for treatment.

Southend Airport was closed following the incident so investigations could be carried out, before reopening on 17 July.

Those inquiries have been ongoing, according to the Air Accident Investigation Branch.

Capt Franken and Mr Rhee were described as "highly-respected and cherished colleagues" by Zeusch Aviation, which is based at Lelystad Airport.

Managing director Marco Rietvelt said: "Danny and Floris were not only highly skilled pilots, but also greatly valued and popular members of our team. Their passion for flying was matched by their dedication to their colleagues and the important missions they carried out."

In an additional statement given to Dutch media, Mr Franken's family said his loss was "unbearable".

The group were on their way back to Lelystad, having flown to Southend from the Greek capital Athens, via Pula in Croatia.

German national Dr Eyl worked as an emergency paramedic for his country's Red Cross. The charity said it had lost "not only a reliable doctor, but above all a special person", adding his loss was "immeasurable".  "With his warm, honest, and humorous nature, he has not only provided medical assistance, but shaped our community," a statement read. "He was a man who listened, tackled and encouraged."

Also killed in the crash was Ms Rojaz Ortiz, who was on her first day as a flight nurse. Born in Chile but raised in Germany, her friend said she was the "kindest soul".  "She had a giving heart and was humble, and chose a profession that reflected that," Anna Smith added.


Re: School trip coach involved in a collision, Wheddon Cross, Somerset 17/07/2025
In "Buses and other ways to travel" [363516/30461/5]
Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 14:03, 24th July 2025
 
From the BBC:

A 10-year-old boy who was killed when a coach carrying schoolchildren crashed died of a head injury, an inquest has heard.

Oliver Price died when a coach carrying Minehead Middle School pupils left the road near Wheddon Cross in Somerset and slid down a 6m (20ft) slope on 17 July.

The children and teachers onboard had been returning from an end-of-year trip to Exmoor Zoo. In total, 21 people were taken to hospital.

An inquest at Wells Coroner's Court heard earlier that Oliver had been found in his seat with his seatbelt on, and was declared dead at the scene by paramedics.

The coach was carrying about 70 people when it left the A396 and overturned between Wheddon Cross and Timberscombe at about 15:15 BST. A major incident was declared, with 60 firefighters sent to the scene alongside 20 double-crewed ambulances.

Opening the inquest into Oliver's death, coroner Vanessa McKinlay said his death was confirmed by paramedics at 17:00. "Oliver was found seated in the coach with his seat belt on," she added. "At the time of his death he was identified by his father Matthew Price to the police who were in attendance."

Ms McKinlay said the provisional cause of Oliver's death was a head injury, subject to further tests.

A full inquest is set to take place on 14 January next year and will look into the events of the day before the crash, the circumstances in which the coach left the road and Oliver's medical cause of death.

The inquest is due to hear from Oliver's family, adult passengers on the coach, witnesses, the coach driver, emergency service workers and a pathologist.

Oliver's family, the coach driver and the coach operator Ridlers have been named as interested parties in the inquest.

Ms McKinley ended the hearing by offering her condolences to Oliver's family.


Re: North Cotswold line delays and cancellations - 2025
In "London to the Cotswolds" [363515/29711/14]
Posted by Worcester_Passenger at 13:07, 24th July 2025
 
Thursday July 24

1W01 09:52 London Paddington to Hereford (12:46) arrived Great Malvern +5 and was cancelled thereafter.

13:18 Hereford to London Paddington due 16:24 will be started from Great Malvern.
This is due to a points failure.
Last Updated:24/07/2025 11:57

12:52 London Paddington to Worcester Foregate Street due 15:00 will be starting late from London Paddington.
This is due to a fault on this train.
Last Updated:24/07/2025 12:50
Departed Paddington +4, held Reading (+16).

13:50 London Paddington to Great Malvern due 16:15 will be starting late from London Paddington.
This is due to a points failure.
Last Updated:24/07/2025 12:58

The 13:50 is formed of the stock from 1P26 1059 Great Malvern to London Paddington (13:25), which arrived +34. 13:50 has now departed +23.

Later (16:00):
13:50 London Paddington to Great Malvern due 16:15 has been previously delayed, has been further delayed at Reading and is now 43 minutes late.
This is due to a fault on a train in front of this one.
Last Updated:24/07/2025 15:49

...and it's probably going to terminate at Shrub Hill:
16:32 Great Malvern to London Paddington due 19:29 will be started from Worcester Shrub Hill.
This is due to a fault on a train in front of this one.
Last Updated:24/07/2025 15:49

Later (17:30):
1W27 13:50 London Paddington to Great Malvern (16:15) did indeed terminate at Worcester Shrub Hill +43.

And that has caused delays on the section between Evesham and Norton:
1W27 13:50 London Paddington to Great Malvern (16:15) Evesham-Norton 16:21-16:37
1P05 15:18 Hereford to London Paddington (18:29) : held Norton (+18) : N-E 16:39-16:54.
1W29 14:53 London Paddington to Worcester Foregate Street (17:04) : held Evesham (+17), E-N 16:55-17:09, arrived +16.
1P38 16:32 Great Malvern to London Paddington (19:29) : started from Shrub Hill, N-E 17:11-17:25.

Later (21:45):

not reported on JourneyCheck
1W36 1857 London Paddington to Great Malvern (21:18) : departed +14, arrived +17.

19:53 London Paddington to Hereford due 22:57 will be delayed at Oxford and is expected to be 10 minutes late.
This is due to train crew being delayed.
Last Updated:24/07/2025 20:13

20:52 London Paddington to Great Malvern due 23:13 has been delayed at London Paddington and is now 13 minutes late.
This is due to train crew being delayed.
Last Updated:24/07/2025 21:12

Re: Night Riviera Sleeper train - between Paddington and Penzance
In "London to the West" [363514/489/12]
Posted by TaplowGreen at 12:51, 24th July 2025
Already liked by Witham Bobby
 
And to be clear that £199 is just for the cabin.  There is the travel ticket to pay for on top of that. 

Like so many things, over the years quality and expectations have risen and so have prices. 

.......and so has subsidy presumably.

Re: IEP seats in 2025
In "Across the West" [363513/29826/26]
Posted by IndustryInsider at 09:55, 24th July 2025
Already liked by Mark A, Witham Bobby, broadgage
 
I’ll also add a standard class wheelchair space on the 5-car units to the wishlist.  Just the one as that would give three in total.

Obstruction on the track - Bath, 23 July 2025
In "London to Swindon and Bristol" [363512/30482/10]
Posted by matth1j at 09:04, 24th July 2025
Already liked by Witham Bobby, Timmer
 
On yesterday's 1700 Bristol Temple Meads to Paddington, it stopped just after pulling out of Bath. The train manager announced that branches had been placed on the track deliberately; this was in the vicinity of Sydney Gardens where the track is easily accessible https://maps.app.goo.gl/Mcg4GQfJ6Hwmvq1W6

There was a train in front of us - the (delayed) 1647 Warminster service I think - whose crew apparently got out and removed the obstruction. In the end we were delayed by about 30 mins.

Fortunately no one was injured and no equipment was damaged. Worrying though.

Of course I missed my connection with the 1750 Melksham service at Chippenham; the next one would have been at 1900, but a taxi was provided for myself and another chap heading that way. It didn't arrive until about 1835, but was appreciated.

Re: The next adventure ... and a comparison between passenger experiences
In "Introductions and chat" [363511/30476/1]
Posted by grahame at 06:38, 24th July 2025
Already liked by Timmer, PrestburyRoad, matth1j, GBM, froome, Chris from Nailsea, rogerw
 
That story got rather off public transport - posted (here) in public on Faceplate. More later, but it look like I'm shortly on a rail replacement bus which will cut my ability to write without being travel sick.

And so on - to Ludvika in a 2 carriage train, and then a long journey on a rail replacement coach (also a 2 coach service) all the way to Mora.  Engineering works - line closed for a few weeks in high summer; we were scheduled to arrive in Mora at 14:24, got here more like 14:40 ... and when the railway is working I could have been here at 12:46.   All allowed for in my planning though.

The two coach train was a delight - the Swedes have their rural trains right in so many ways.  The Trains Manager checks tickets and then serves teas, coffees and snacks in the buffet (we used to have those on GWR).  Clean loo, good views, comfortable seats - what more could one want?    Oh - luggage racks and overheads fit for luggage, plenty of cycle spaces, and a low entrance / wheelchair accessible place with a build in lift and turntable.  Our train was quiet, but passing one going the other way (and the passing was quick at a station loop - not the protracted performance in some UK locations) was slick and we were on time at Ludvika.

The rail replacement was - err - to be endured.  It's warm in Sweden, and the air conditioning was either failed or not switched on until near the end of the journey.  Seats were "OK" but pitch was such that even my tiny laptop was not useable.   No escape from child opposite travelling with (was it mother or granny?) who was giving every vocal indication of finding the journey a torture.    There was a power point, but it was not working.  And in any case the driver had INSISTED (by physically blocking the door) that my pack go in the hold under the coach; I can understand this if it had coach had been fully laden.  Scenery lovely - ability to more. around and take pictures from both sides - zero.   A good and straight road most of the way, with diversions off to serve intermediate stations.

From the rail replacement coach







But Mora IS worth a visit









And when a thunderstorm strikes, what better than the "Glassbatten"


 
The Coffee Shop forum is provided by customers of Great Western Railway (formerly First Great Western). The views expressed are those of the individual posters concerned. Visit https://www.gwr.com for the official Great Western Railway website. Please contact the administrators of this site at admin@railcustomer.info if you feel that the content provided by one of our posters contravenes our posting rules. Our full legal statment is at https://www.greatwesternrailway.info/legal.html

Although we are planning ahead, we don't know what the future will bring here in the Coffee Shop. We have domains "firstgreatwestern.info" for w-a-y back and also "greatwesternrailway.info"; we can also answer to "greatbritishrailways.info" too. For the future, information about Great Brisish Railways, by customers and for customers.
 
Current Running
GWR trains from JourneyCheck
 
 
Code Updated 11th January 2025